The Port of Los Angeles reported strong volumes in July as trade started to rebound after a weak start of the year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

 The largest container port in the United States moved 856,389 Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units (TEUs) in July, the busiest month thus far of 2020.

It was also the second-best July in the Port’s history, trailing July 2019 by 6.1%.

“Fewer cancelled sailings and 11 additional ‘ad hoc’ or unscheduled ship calls helped drive both imports and exports higher than recent months but still short of last July’s all-time record,” said Gene Seroka, Port of Los Angeles executive director.

Strong start for August volumes

“Preliminary data for August indicates solid volumes as retailers continue restocking inventories and preparing for the year-end holiday season.”

The Port reported that July loaded imports decreased 4.3% to 456,029 TEUs compared to the previous year. Loaded exports dropped 21.7% to 126,354 TEUs. Empty containers declined 0.1% to 274,007 TEUs. In total, July volumes totalled 856,389 TEUs.

Seven months into 2020, overall volumes are 4,618,278, a decline of 15.3% compared to 2019.